Stingless Bees, Inspiration for Innovations

March 20, 2017 - ( update : 05-04-2017 )

Editor

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id – Trigona sp. or commonly known as lebah klanceng is a stingless bee which is independent of flower pollen, unlike other bees species. Because of its unique traits, Trigona could be bred anywhere and spread around Indonesia, including in cities as long as there are resin or sap from surrounding trees so that they can produce propolis on their nest.

Propolis produced by Trigona sp. contains antioxidant flavonoid, various vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acid. Therefore, propolis would be beneficial for immunity booster supplement, healing accelerator and also cosmetics raw materials which accelerate cell-regeneration and delay aging process.

A conventional Trigona bamboo hive produces a relatively low 17-92 grams of propolis a year. Moreover, commonly used solvent to extract propolis are chemicals such as alcohol and propylene glycol. Therefore, a team from Kelompok Keahlian Agroteknologi dan Teknologi which consists of Dr. M. Yusuf Abduh MT, Syaripudin ST and Dr. Robert Manurung was inspired to make high-productivity beehive that uses natural, high-antioxidant solvent to increase added-value of the products.

Currently in the process of filing the patent, this beehive named MOTIVE (Modular Trigona Hive) consists of a main box for colony site, honey pot, and harvesting frames. MOTIVE enables farmers to set production system according to desired target. Harvest is done by collecting the filled frames and setting up new ones in order to keep the productivity and hygiene. MOTIVE has been applied in various locations in Depok and West Bandung and it proves to increase productivity by 20%.

Moreover, plant-based, high-antioxidant solvent for propolis extraction increases added-value of propolis extract as it contains high antioxidant and provides comfort to Muslim consumers who are concerned with halal aspect. Lab test has proved that propolis extract with high antioxidant solvent contains higher flavonoid content (0.71 g QE/100 ml) compared to propylene glycol solvent (0.26 g QE/100 ml).

More than solely doing research, Dr. M. Yusuf Abduh and his team have developed formulations from propolis extract to create health supplements and cosmetics such as facial oil, aromatic healing, body butter and body scrub, all of which have been introduce onto the market. M. Yusuf Abduh said, “Be positive and be passionate in your work, especially to researchers because the noble cause of research is achievement of welfare”.

Sources: Syaripudin, ST and Dr. Muhammad Yusuh Abduh, MT